What Ten Hag said
Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said relegation is a real possibility for the club, pointing to the strength of the Premier League. Ten Hag, who was sacked by United in 2024 after arriving in 2022 and winning the FA Cup and League Cup, made the remarks to ESPN after United’s 2-0 loss to Chelsea on Saturday left them one place above the relegation zone.
Asked about the possibility of United being relegated for the first time in more than half a century, Ten Hag said: “In the Premier League it’s certainly possible, because all the teams are simply strong. They’re all strong squads, all good managers. And if you end up on the wrong side once and you really get into that vicious circle — yes, then it can become very, very difficult.”
That wording matters. Ten Hag did not predict that United will be relegated. He said the drop is possible if a difficult spell turns into a sustained slide — the “vicious circle” he described.
Where United stand
United are 17th in the Premier League with seven points from nine games, above Crystal Palace, who occupy the final relegation place, on goal difference. They are winless in their last nine matches in all competitions, their longest run without a victory since 1984, according to data firm Opta, as reported by Reuters.
Reuters also reported that the United board stuck with current manager Michael Carrick for the Chelsea game, despite a 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth and a 4-1 defeat at Como in the Champions League in the build-up to the match.
Why the warning carries weight — and its limits
United were last relegated from the English top flight in the 1973-74 season, and they have not been in the relegation zone at least nine games into a campaign since November 1986, at the start of Alex Ferguson’s reign. They are also in their joint-lowest position at least nine games into a season since 1989-90, when they also sat 17th, according to beIN Sports’ report of the same remarks.
History also shows that 17th place is not, by itself, a verdict. Tottenham finished 17th in back-to-back seasons, including a final-day escape last season, as beIN Sports noted — a reminder that a club can be in this position and still survive. What makes United’s case striking is the combination: the league position, the nine-game winless run, and a former manager publicly saying the drop is possible.
What happens next
United next host AS Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday, before facing Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday. The Villa game is United’s final match before the November international break, and defeat could leave them in the relegation zone during the break — the scenario beIN Sports highlighted.
For now, the verified facts are narrow: the position, the points, the winless run, and Ten Hag’s exact words. Whether United pull clear or slide further will be decided by the next results, not by this warning alone.
Frequently asked questions
Did Erik ten Hag predict Manchester United will be relegated? No. He said relegation is “certainly possible” because every Premier League team is strong, and warned about the risk of getting into a “vicious circle”.
Where are Manchester United in the Premier League? 17th, with seven points from nine games, above Crystal Palace in the final relegation spot on goal difference.
When were Manchester United last relegated? In the 1973-74 season, when they were relegated from the English top flight before bouncing back the following season.
Sources
- Reuters — Ten Hag says relegation a real possibility for Man Utd (2 Nov 2026)
- beIN Sports — Relegation ‘certainly possible’ for Man Utd, warns Ten Hag (2 Nov 2026)
- Sportstar — Manchester United can get relegated: Ten Hag (2 Nov 2026)
- CNA — Ten Hag says relegation a real possibility for Man Utd (2 Nov 2026)
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